The Fisheries Cooperative Federation of Nigeria Limited (FCFNL) has raised concerns over Nigeria’s outdated fishing regulations, stating that the country loses approximately $70 million annually due to unregulated and illegal fishing.
Speaking in a telephone interview, the National President of FCFNL, Muhammad Laminu, attributed the sector’s challenges to obsolete fishing laws, weak enforcement, and underfunding of the Federal Department of Fisheries.
He noted that Nigeria’s fisheries laws, enacted as far back as the 1980s, no longer reflect the current realities of the industry, leaving gaps that foreign trawlers and illegal operators exploit.
“The problem with unregulated fishing is a result of outdated laws. These regulations have not been revisited for decades, and they no longer serve their purpose,” Laminu stated.
He emphasized the urgent need for a comprehensive policy reform to strengthen regulations and boost government support for the industry.
According to him, increased funding and stricter enforcement would help curb illegal fishing and protect Nigeria’s fish stock from depletion.
Laminu also highlighted corruption as a major challenge, noting that some individuals exploit the country’s water bodies for personal gain due to regulatory loopholes.
“The government needs to reform the sector and allocate more funds to ensure effective monitoring and enforcement,” he added.
He further revealed that FCFNL is developing training and capacity-building programs for its members to promote sustainable fishing practices.
Calling on the National Assembly to review and update the fisheries law, Laminu stressed that modern regulations are essential to protect Nigeria’s marine resources and secure the industry’s future.